Kayoko Colston, Assoc CIPD
Landbeach,Cambridge
Summary
Knowledgeable about language nuances and cultural context. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both in English and Japanese, with experience in multi-cultural work environments. HR experiences in offices in UK and Japan. A dedicated team player, driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results, adept at multi-tasking and resourceful to complete tasks.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Freelance Translator
Freelance
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Translated an autobiography written in Japanese to English.
HR Shared Service Specialist
Abcam Plc
04.2019 - 08.2023
- Resolved high-volume HR queries (150 per month) in timely manner.
- Carried out Onboarding, Offboarding, and inductions to new starters.
- Set up and maintained employee records on HR system by adhering to company policies and GDPR requirements.
- Worked closely with wider HR teams (TA/TD on recruitment, contracts, and learning module system, OG on roles and capabilities, Payroll on salary payment, Rewards on benefits, HR Advisors on ER cases and work visa, and HRBPs on reorganisation and job changes) to deliver high standard of service to employees.
- Acted as point of contact for HR in Tokyo office, worked effectively with external payroll company in Tokyo from UK, and acted as interpreter for CEO during Town Hall meetings to ensure business goals were met.
- Took part in cross-functional HR projects to improve Employee Experience (i.e., introduction of SmartRecruiter, Interview Tool Kit for Managers, Learning Module System, Global maternity and paternity leave policy, flexible holiday policy, company share scheme, etc.)
- Assisted with HR audit to ensure team's compliance.
- Created SOP documents and provided training to junior members of team to ensure consistent standard of work.
Shared Service Centre Interaction Centre Specialist (maternity cover)
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
08.2018 - 03.2019
- Checked configuration of electron microscopy and loaded orders on SAP system for production.
- Carried out End User Checks and applied for Export License.
- Performed margin analysis for Finance team.
- Took part in process improvement projects with teams in Germany.
Community Relations Specialist
Kadena Air Base Public Affairs Office
06.2000 - 07.2005
- Dealt with queries and complaints from local residents, and liaised with local government officials.
- Acted as interpreter during meetings between USAF commanders and local government officials.
- Translated various documents including press releases, memorandums, newspaper articles from Japanese to English, and vice versa.
- Carried out base tours and organised successful cultural exchange events to build strong relationships between base and local communities.
- Maintained database of queries and official responses.
Administrator/Research Assistant
NHK Okinawa G8 Summit Office
10.1999 - 06.2000
- Provided administrative support to journalists.
- Assisted production of weekly TV programme.
Office Manager
Volvo US Military Sales Okinawa
08.1996 - 08.1997
- Ensured smooth day-to-day operations with diligent oversight of office tasks.
- Assisted company registration at Legal Affairs Bureau.
- Organised filing systems and maintained documents in alignment with company policies and data security protocols.
- Processed invoices and purchase orders with high attention to detail, and assisted external accounting firm with company's tax return.
- Assisted General Manager and sales team, and worked closely with with factory in Sweden to ensure accurate orders.
Education
MA - Asia Pacific Studies
University of Leeds
09.1998 - 09.1999
MA - Development Studies
University of Leeds
09.1997 - 09.1998
BA - International Studies
Wichita State University
08.1992 - 05.1996
High School Diploma -
Hiroshima San-iku Gakuin High School
04.1988 - 03.1991
Skills
- CIDP Level 5 Certificate in Human Resource Management
- Good IT skills
Languages
English
Fluent
Japanese
Native
Timeline
Freelance Translator
Freelance
09.2023 - 01.2025
HR Shared Service Specialist
Abcam Plc
04.2019 - 08.2023
Shared Service Centre Interaction Centre Specialist (maternity cover)
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
08.2018 - 03.2019
Community Relations Specialist
Kadena Air Base Public Affairs Office
06.2000 - 07.2005
Administrator/Research Assistant
NHK Okinawa G8 Summit Office
10.1999 - 06.2000
MA - Asia Pacific Studies
University of Leeds
09.1998 - 09.1999
MA - Development Studies
University of Leeds
09.1997 - 09.1998
Office Manager
Volvo US Military Sales Okinawa
08.1996 - 08.1997
BA - International Studies
Wichita State University
08.1992 - 05.1996
High School Diploma -
Hiroshima San-iku Gakuin High School
04.1988 - 03.1991
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